The Michigan SPEAR Act would amend the Endangered Species Act to prevent federal protection of lake sturgeon populations in Michigan. The bill blocks the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from listing any Michigan lake sturgeon population as threatened or endangered under federal law. Congress finds that lake sturgeon populations in Michigan, particularly in Black Lake, have recovered successfully over the past 20 years due to state management and partnerships with local tribal nations and anglers. The legislation is supported by Michigan Indian tribes with treaty rights to sturgeon fishing, local conservation volunteers, and the annual Black Lake Sturgeon Shivaree cultural event, all of whom argue that continued state and local management is more effective than federal protection. The bill contains no specific funding or implementation timeline but would take effect upon passage.
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